Shinkansen and Ekiben Adventure in Western Japan
Traveling from Fukuoka to Shin-Osaka by Shinkansen is one of the most enjoyable and efficient ways to cross Japan. With the Sanyo San’in Pass, you can hop on unlimited trains—and of course, no journey is complete without tasting an authentic ekiben (train bento box). Here’s my full experience, from getting the pass to digging into delicious ekiben and arriving at Shin-Osaka Station.
1. What Is the Sanyo San’in Pass?
The Sanyo San’in Pass is a regional rail pass from JR West, offering unlimited rides on Shinkansen and local trains throughout the Sanyo and San’in regions for seven days. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore western Japan efficiently—including the key route between Hakata Station (Fukuoka) and Shin-Osaka.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Unlimited rides on Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen—these aren’t included with the regular JR Pass.
- Book up to six reserved seats ahead of time.
- Great savings if you’re planning to travel around the area.
Using the Sanyo San’in Pass means you get speed, comfort, and flexibility while riding some of Japan’s top bullet trains.
2. How to Exchange Your Sanyo San’in Pass
At Hakata Station, I traded my online voucher for a physical Sanyo San’in Pass at the JR West counter. (If you have a nationwide JR Pass, go to the JR Kyushu counter.) The staff made the process fast and easy. After getting my pass, I could reserve seats right at the ticket machine by inserting the pass and following the menu. Super convenient!
If you’re going from Fukuoka to Shin-Osaka by Shinkansen, this pass makes ticketing and seat reservations simple and stress-free.
3. Shopping for Ekiben at Hakata Station
For me, no bullet train ride in Japan is complete without an ekiben! Hakata Station has an amazing selection of these bento boxes, featuring everything from seafood to meat—and plenty of local Fukuoka flavors like spicy mentaiko (cod roe). Most boxes cost between ¥800 and ¥1,500, reflecting their high quality and fresh ingredients.
I picked up a popular octagon-shaped ekiben for ¥1,050 and grabbed an iced latte for the ride. The bento’s variety and presentation made the trip feel extra special.
4. On Board: The Shinkansen Ride from Fukuoka to Shin-Osaka
Comfort & Amenities
Traveling on the Shinkansen is a treat in itself: comfortable 3-2 seating, plenty of legroom, spotless restrooms (with accessible options), and—unlike on Korea’s KTX or SRT—there’s still an onboard food cart serving snacks, drinks, and even ice cream.
Enjoying My Ekiben
My bento was packed with flavorful, fresh ingredients and a wide variety of side dishes. Designed to be eaten cold, it was the perfect meal for the trip.
Taking the Fukuoka to Shin-Osaka Shinkansen isn’t just convenient—it’s a chance to enjoy a unique piece of Japanese culture, with great food and comfort along the way.
5. Arriving at Shin-Osaka Station
Once I arrived at Shin-Osaka Station, it was just a 10–15 minute walk to my hotel, the Holiday Inn & Suites Shin-Osaka. Along the way, I even caught a glimpse of planes landing at Itami Airport—a fun treat for aviation fans.
Staying at Holiday Inn & Suites Shin-Osaka
I spent four nights at this well-located hotel. I’ll share a full review of my stay in a future post!
Why the Sanyo San’in Pass Makes Sense
The Sanyo San’in Pass made my Fukuoka to Shin-Osaka Shinkansen journey easy, flexible, and budget-friendly. Being able to reserve seats and ride the fastest trains—plus the added fun of hunting for ekiben—made the whole experience even better. If you’re headed to western Japan, this pass is definitely worth considering!
